Lanquín, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#1630
15.574977, -89.980757
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lanquín is a small town in Guatemala, known for its stunning natural landscapes and proximity to Semuc Champey. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-15 Mbps, primarily available in commercial areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). Approx. 1 USD ≈ 7.75 GTQ. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Claro and Tigo, offering various prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs available, but it's best to carry cash for smaller transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to guesthouses and eco-lodges like El Retiro Lodge. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; most places prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Retiro, prices starting around GTQ 80 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | El Retiro's common areas offer good wifi for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Cueva provides a relaxed environment and decent wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal meetups often occur at local cafes during the high tourist season. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various Facebook groups for expats in Guatemala, including Lanquín. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-sharing apps; local taxis are available but negotiate fares. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; inquire at local hostels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Izabal, about a 2.5-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers flights to and from major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines have routes to Guatemala City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via CA-9 highway from Guatemala City. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; main mode of transport is by bus. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses and shuttles operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Lanquín to nearby towns and cities for approximately GTQ 50-100. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Nacional de Lanquín offers basic services but limited facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Lanquín does not have dedicated wellness centers, but yoga sessions may be offered at some hostels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; most fitness activities are outdoor-based. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at most hostels for a small fee. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No specific apps; local restaurants typically serve on-site. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options available at most hostels and local eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the sweet pastries at Panadería El Amor. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets sell fresh produce, typical open every day. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; use regional options like Linio for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Small bars around the main square; nightlife is quiet. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Antigua is the nearest brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options; local stores carry imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors around town offer traditional snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and small burger joints are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Semuc Champey natural pools are a must-see. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local craft markets offer handmade goods. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit nearby ruins of Yaxhá, about 2 hours away. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches representative of Guatemalan architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de Santo Tomás in December attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town itself is rich in Mayan heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited cultural performances; check local hostels for events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Daily market is held in the main square. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Folk music is prevalent during festivals and local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be seen in and around the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available in some guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local artisans showcase crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-style buildings are found in the town square. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mayan heritage is prominent throughout the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the lush landscapes and rivers in the surrounding national park. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Semuc Champey National Park is nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails available around Semuc Champey; guided tours often recommended. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Numerous viewpoints along the trails around Semuc Champey. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ideal locations in the surrounding forests. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in most campgrounds. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; most services are available only in larger cities. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Only basic repair services available; major repairs may require going to larger towns. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No formal spots; some hostels have games available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools in nearby towns offer courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Lanquín does not have established libraries. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community gatherings are mainly held at church or school facilities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; gaming is popular on mobile devices. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present; entertainment is more local and outdoor-focused. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² studio = GTQ 100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² studio = GTQ 80,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GTQ 168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GTQ 132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GTQ 240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GTQ 200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on residency and worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property location and size. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% on property transactions. |